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Today's look at the WHO archives takes us back to 2004 when West Ham had played Ipswich Town at Upton Park, drawing 1-1 with Malky Mackay scoring the West Ham goal.
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The WHO reaction came from Seventeen Year Old who wrote this report:
http://web.archive.org/web/20041019064700/http://www.westhamonline.net/feature.php?20407
I can't say that I am a betting man but even I would have gambled money, myself or my house on Teddy Sheringham converting from twelve yards. With West Ham already leading Ipswich by one goal, Sheringham had the gilt-edged chance to double their lead after Carl Fletcher had taken a tumble over Kelvin Davis' dive. Sheringham, however, screwed his penalty woefully wide.
Until that point late in the first half, West Ham had been dominant, brimming with the confidence given to them by Malky Mackay's headed goal- his first for the club and one that he will have relished, having recently signed from Ipswich's rivals, Norwich.
It was a hugely entertaining spectacle from end to finish. Both sides played in the knowledge that victory could send either top- instead, it is Wigan who profit from the eventual stalemate.
Before today’s game, Upton Park was not a place which stirred great memories for the Tractor Boys. Indeed, they were the unfortunate team who had to visit West Ham in last season’s playoffs, a match played against a background of huge support. While that same atmosphere could not be created again, both sets of fans were pumped up and raring to roar. However, much like that semi final in May, an early hush fell over the home crowd- West Ham’s biggest of the season- when Kevin Horlock set up Darren Bent for a clear chance. Stephen Bywater did well to save with his feet.
The tone had been set and after that early escape, West Ham fashioned a chance of their own. A cleared corner fell to Carl Fletcher. As quick as you like, he slipped the ball through to Luke Chadwick who crossed- Mackay stooped to powerfully head home. It was a wonderfully well-worked goal and West Ham could dream of topping the table.
If only it were that easy, however. Straight away, Ipswich threatened, Bent climbing above Chris Powell at the far post to head what seemed to be a certain equaliser. Unfortunately for the young striker, the ball dropped agonisingly wide and West Ham could breathe another sigh of relief.
Having the goal though spurred West Ham on and their display in the first half was wholly encouraging. The defence dealt with everything Ipswich could muster, the midfield was bossing affairs and the two strikers were a constant nagging threat for the Ipswich backline. Only inspired goalkeeping by Davis kept the away side in contention. After Marlon Harewood unluckily volleyed over, Nigel Reo Coker’s deflected drive was parried aside by Davis. Soon after, he produced a wondrous double save, keeping out another Mackay header before denying Sheringham from the subsequent rebound.
Maybe the goalkeeper was living a charmed life. He escaped censure when he fouled Fletcher and could even afford to throw himself the wrong way in attempting to save Sheringham’s penalty.
The veteran striker’s miss, however, would prove to be the turning point. It seemed unlikely that Ipswich would recover a two goal margin. Instead, they nearly equalised a minute after their reprieve only to find Bywater in inspired form, keeping out Ian Westlake’s curling effort.
And into the second half, Ipswich raced out of the blocks- although they were lucky not to concede a second penalty when Chadwick appeared to have been fouled- and pitched camp in West Ham’s half. Bywater had to be at his best to deny Bent from point blank range but from the resulting corner, he was left utterly exposed as Pablo Counago was allowed to latch onto a header, turn and sweep the ball into the bottom corner. Ipswich deserved the goal and could have added a second. Bent, a constant menace, struck a venomous shot at goal which was only bettered by Bywater’s tip onto the bar.
It was whirlwind stuff, action that would not have looked out of place in the top league. It was anyone’s game although it could have been West Ham’s late on when Matthew Etherington’s run and cross just evaded Harewood and Callum Davenport.
A draw was a fair result in the end but if ever I am going to make a bet, it would be that these two sides face each other in the Premiership next year.
After this encounter, here’s hoping.
Bywater- In inspired form today. Some incredible saves and he caught well.
Repka- Generally superb but there were a couple of times when Ipswich got behind him in the second half.
Davenport- Very good, save for the few occasions Bent went one on one with him.
Mackay- A good goal, one he will savour. Led the line well. Little got past him.
Powell- Watching him is like watching what Brevett could be…
Chadwick- A good cross but he tired. Comes inside too much for my liking.
Fletcher- Has settled in very well. Good passing and tackling although he conceded possession cheaply at times.
Reo Coker- The usual bursting energy from a player is only going to get better.
Etherington- Better. It was his quick thinking which won us the penalty.
Harewood- Why people boo him is beyond me. He didn’t half put himself about today and was unlucky not to score.
Sheringham- The miss seemed to prey on his mind and we suffered for it. Needed a rest.
Rebrov- Encouraging cameo. Got stuck in and was involved in setting up our late chance.
Mullins- Quiet.
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Other games on this day:
2010: Stoke City 1 West Ham United 1
1996: Barnet 1 West Ham United 1
1993: Blackburn Rovers 0 West Ham United 2
1982: West Bromwich Albion 1 West Ham United 2
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